CAS Web Site News

A New Look for the CAS Web Site

by Janet L. Dauber

The Committee on Online Services recently unveiled a new design for the CAS Web Site, now in its fifth year online. The primary focus of the redesign was to establish a more professional identity for the CAS Web Site. Several elements were added to achieve this desired effect, including color branding, simplified navigational tools, and a unique online logo.

One of the more noticeable changes to the CAS Web Site is the transition from very bright "rainbow" colors to more subtle, rich colors. In addition to producing a more professional image, the colors are used to "brand" the main sections of the Web site. Each color corresponds to a main group of similar sections, and then the color scheme is carried throughout each page within those particular sections.

The navigation on the home page was simplified by consolidating some of the menu items. This eliminated the need for left-right page scrolling. The home page now contains a simple left navigation bar, where all of the main sections of the Web site are listed. In addition, a top navigation bar provides links to user tools, such as a searchable database of external links. Some menu items were renamed to help users identify and locate desired information more efficiently. For instance, job postings and commercial advertisements now reside in the "Classifieds" section, formally known as the "Advertisers Exhibit Hall."

Finally, a "CAS Online" logo was created. The logo was designed to give the Web site an identity distinct from other CAS publications and products.

This redesign is the second major revision since the Web site's launch in October 1996. The previous redesign was completed in November 1998.

Comments about the redesign can be sent to the webmaster, at webmaster@casact.org.